## Seoul’s Hottest Cafe Scene: From Trendy Seongsu to Vibrant Konkuk University
Seoul’s cafe scene is buzzing, and two districts are leading the charge: Seongsu and Konkuk University. Seongsu, known for its unique blend of old and new, has transformed former factories and warehouses into stylish cafes, shops, and art galleries. Here, you’ll find iconic renovated cafes like Cafe Onion, housed in a 1970s metal parts factory, and Daerim Warehouse, a former rice mill turned cafe and gallery. Seongsu also boasts innovative cafes, like the rotating dessert wonderland Rufruf Museum and the tea-focused Magpie&Tiger.
Just east of Seongsu lies Konkuk University (Konde), a vibrant student district brimming with izakayas, restaurants, and cafes. This lively area offers a diverse range of cafes catering to students and locals alike.
OMOT (Seongsu): Redefining Premium Tea
This stylish premium tea specialist is a true Korean gem. They offer single-origin teas sourced from across Korea, prepared in a unique “tea ceremony” format. Imagine a stylish bar where you can savor the rich flavors of green tea, flower tea, blends, and herbal teas like mugwort, osmanthus, and rosemary. The 75-minute tea course includes finger food and a guided experience from a Korean tea specialist called a “penju.” This isn’t just a tea-drinking session; it’s a journey into Korean tea culture, where you’ll learn about tea varieties, origins, flavors, and health benefits.
The courses change every four months, with limited spots available, making it a truly unique experience.
RAIN REPORT Croissant (Seongsu): Where Rain and Croissants Meet
This popular cafe embraces the concept of “delicious coffee and croissants on a rainy day.” Situated in a two-story building that once housed a printing factory, RAIN REPORT Croissant’s Seongsu location is the second branch after its original in Itaewon. Step into this unique space and be greeted by an artificial pond, a “rainfall shower” evoking a rainy atmosphere, and rain-themed videos on the monitors. The ceiling even has a drip system for an extra touch of ambiance. But the true star of the show is the crispy, flaky croissants. The “Rainbow Cloud” croissant, with its vibrant red and green dough, conceals a fluffy, sweet milk cream filling, creating a delightful textural contrast. Other options include the “White Cloud,” topped with crispy potato.
Cafe Armoire (Konkuk University): YeSung’s Brother’s Retro European Escape
This cafe is a must-visit for fans of K-pop and lovers of vintage European charm. Owned by the brother of Super Junior’s YeSung, it’s the second cafe venture after the successful Mouse Rabbit in nearby Hwayang-dong. The cafe, a three-story building, is a family affair, with the owner’s mother often greeting guests with warmth. Enjoy a coffee on the second floor, surrounded by antique European furniture, a vintage organ, and mirrors that create a cozy, hidden-away ambiance. Don’t miss their unique, unconventional lattes made with ingredients like corn and black sesame.
Apgujeong: A Cafe Destination
Apgujeong is a haven for cafe lovers, where cafes are practically on every corner. It’s not just about grabbing a quick coffee; these cafes are destinations in themselves.
FELT Coffee: Specialty Coffee with a Focus on Direct Sourcing
Inspired by European coffee culture during his time in London, Song Dae-won, along with Kim Young-hyun (who was drawn to coffee through his family’s coffee chain), established this specialty coffee brand. FELT Coffee opened its first location in 2019 at Dosan Park, nestled inside the flagship store of Korean fashion brand JUUN.J, and now has three branches in Seoul. Their motto is “everyday coffee you can enjoy,” but they don’t compromise on quality, offering a range of high-quality specialty coffees. The espresso menu includes the fruity Seasonal, the dark chocolate-flavored JUUN.J, and decaf. Each brew exudes rich aroma. Pair your coffee with a decadent, rich cheesecake.
NUDAKE: A Modern Art Cafe with Whimsical Treats
Located in the basement of Haus Dosan, an upscale fashion building, NUDAKE is an eight-minute walk from Apgujeong Rodeo Station. This cafe, a creation of the Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, which has also expanded to Osaka and Tokyo, is a modern art gallery in itself. An installation by Italian artist Andrea Artemisio dominates the space, adding to the artistic ambiance. The signature “Peak Cake” is a crown-shaped, black pastry filled with matcha cream, offering a unique and visually striking experience. Other recommendations include the “Black Croissant,” infused with the rich aroma of black sesame, and the “Peak Green Tea Latte,” a creamy matcha and milk drink topped with fluffy whipped cream.
OUR Bakery: A Bakery That Draws Crowds with Its Daily Sellouts
Just a short walk from FELT Coffee and NUDAKE, this popular bakery draws lines for its fresh-baked bread. OUR Bakery’s flagship store is in Apgujeong, with branches in Garosugil and Incheon Airport. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread as you enter, and both dine-in and takeout customers bustle around. The “Dirty Chocolate” croissant, coated in chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder, is a must-try, baked twice daily, at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM, and often sells out quickly. Other popular choices include the red bean butter croissant and the palmier. Along with classic espresso and Americano, the bakery offers a range of beverages, including the trendy flat white and the layered green tea double, a perfect blend of coffee and matcha.
